Advice for sisters new to the deen of Islaam; from someone who has been there; done that and got the t-shirt mashaAllaah!

Recommended Books on Women’s and Family Issues in Islam

Asalaamu Alaykum. In this post I will be pointing you in the direction of some books on women’s issues. While generally men and women have the same obligations when it comes to ibaadah, worship in Islam; there are many issues which specifically affect women and that we need to know about. A lot of cultures and even some so-called ‘Islamic sects’ look down upon women and do not encourage their women to learn their rights and obligations with Islam; and unfortunately some reverts do get sucked into this SubhanAllaah. With all the good material that is out there; we really do have no excuse to be ignorant. I have not recommended any specific books on the women’s dress in Islam; as I feel it is covered in the below books; but if it is something you need to look into further get in touch and I can advise some books for you InshaAllaah. Also I have not recommended any books on marriage in general and seeking a marriage partner; I feel that is a very important and seperate issue InshaAllaah.

The first book I will recommend is written by one of the female scholars of Yemen, Umm Abdillaah Al-Waadi’iyyah. Do bear in mind that this book was written for women in Yemen who due to societal reasons there, tend to be less educated in both ‘secular’ and Islamic matters than in the west, so it is written in quite a basic terminology and tone; which is not intended to be patronising.

My Advice to The Women

The second book MashaAllaah is quite difficult to get hold of but I would really advise getting it if you can; again it is written by a knowledgeable Muslim sister; and is very beneficial.

Supporting The Rights of The Believing Women

Next a book on a topic that is a big stumbling block for many women who embrace Islam subhanAllaah, and that is polygyny or marrying more than one wife. If you have the correct understanding of this topic; InshaAllaah it will no longer be such a stumbling block. I find that those who cannot accept this sunnah, even for others, or have incorrect thoughts about it or those who participate in it; usually are simply lacking knowledge of how it is practiced in Islam. InshaAllaah this book will be a wonderful eye-opener if you have any questions about this practice. It is written by two Muslim sisters; so really comes from the female perspective MashaAllaah.

From Monogamy to Polygyny A Way Through

Next a really nice book MashaAllaah on the early women of Islam who were given the glad tidings of paradise; including the wives of Prophet Muhammad Salalaahu Alaihi Was Sallam. Although this book is well written it does contain a few typos. Do try to ignore these; and don’t lose focus on the rest of the book as it is very nice and easy to read mashaAllaah.

Great Women of Islam

Finally a couple of books on issues relating to raising children. I find many sisters come to the deen with young children mashaAllaah; and as such they are in need of guidance as to their upbringing in their new faith. InshaAllaah these two books are really helpful in this regard.